This is based on the scene in episode 63 where Byakuya is in the hospital. The idea for this came to me after hearing John Barrowman sing 'I Won't Send Roses'. The song reminded me of this moment. I split the song in half, each half representing what the characters are thinking. I think it fits quite well.

Roses suit Byakuya because they are as beautiful as he is and as famous.

Roses suit Renji because of his passion and how much he stands out.

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Byakuya:

I'm sitting up in my hospital bed, drowning in my sorrows. 'Renji's here… I wonder why. I suppose I should ask…'

"Renji…" My voice is weak and croaky but if I continue to talk despite this maybe he won't think I'm weak. "Why are you here?

'He's thinking, I can tell… I want to know what he's thinking.'

"I'm here because you're my captain." Came Renji's reply.

'His voice sounds calmer than usual. In any other situation I would like that but not now… my heart aches because he worries.'

"You probably wish I were dead." I say coolly. 'Please say you do.'

"No! You're wrong! If you were to die then what motivation would I have to get stronger?"

'I can handle heartache but I don't think I can continue to cope with the hope you love me too, if we continue this way I could end up telling you everything I think and feel. So stay far from me, Renji.'

"And in fact… captain…"

My eyes widen as Ichigo screams to Renji. 'What was he going to say? He was speaking so softly. No! Byakuya, get a hold of yourself! We're different, he and I… he's full of passion and I have next to none. He can do better…'

I won't send roses
Or hold the door
I won't remember
Which dress you wore
My heart is too much in control
The lack of romance in my soul
Will turn you grey, kid
So stay away, kid
Forget my shoulder
When you're in need
Forgetting birthdays
Is guaranteed
And should I love you, you would be
The last to know
I won't send roses
And roses suit you so


Renji:

I sit near my captain's hospital bed, thinking, 'I can't believe he's in hospital. Please be alright… Please.'

"Renji… why are you here?" I hear him ask me.

I think for a second so that I don't slip up, "I'm here because you're my captain." 'But it's not just that… you're more than just my captain to me.'

"You probably wish I were dead." That line scared me.

I gasp and look up at him, quickly replying, "No! You're wrong! If you were to die then what motivation would I have to get stronger?" 'Because if I were stronger maybe you'd see that I'm not as useless as you seem to think I am… maybe then I would be one step closer to having your heart. Perhaps it's time now to tell him how I feel and accept the consequences, whatever they may be…' "And in fact…" I close my eyes so I can't see his face, it's now or never. "Captain…"

Just then Ichigo appears and starts yelling that he's lost Rukia again.

'Perhaps it's for the best that he doesn't find out, yet anyway. I'm hard-headed and rush into things without thinking. And he's a noble. I guess I'm not thinking about him here, I'm focused on my own feelings. I will get stronger and let my emotions show a little bit more… maybe then I'll be deserving of him. I love you, Captain.'

My pace is frantic
My temper's cross
With words romantic
I'm at a loss
I'd be the first one to agree
That I'm preoccupied with me
And it's inbred, kid
So keep your head, kid
In me you'll find things
Like guts and nerve
But not the kind of things
That you deserve
And so while there's a fighting chance
Just turn and go
I won't send roses
And roses suit you so.